HVAC zone control panel with constant function buttons

ABSTRACT

A zone control panel that is easy and intuitive to use and to program. In some embodiments, a zone control panel may be configured to have an easy to use, single level menu structure with, for example, a configuration mode and/or a checkout mode. The configuration mode may, if present, include a number of menu screens sometimes without any sub-menu levels. Likewise, the checkout mode may, if present, include a number of menu screens sometimes without any sub-menu levels. A mode selector may be provided to select a particular mode, after which, the menu screens that correspond to the selected mode may be sequentially displayed to the user. Other features and aspects are also disclosed.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/564,879, filed Nov. 30, 2006, and entitled “HVAC ZONECONTROL PANEL WITH CHECKOUT UTILITY”, which is hereby incorporated byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to HVAC equipment and moreparticularly to zone control panels for controlling HVAC equipment.

BACKGROUND

A variety of residential and commercial buildings have HVAC equipmentthat may, for example, provide conditioning such as heating, cooling,ventilation, filtration, humidification, and/or dehumidification toimprove the environment within the residential and/or commercialbuilding.

In some instances, a building may be divided into two or more zones thatmay be relatively independently conditioned in order to provide moreprecise control of the environment throughout the building. A thermostator other controller may be located within each zone, and each thermostator other controller may be electrically connected to a zone controlpanel that is configured to receive signals (e.g. requests) from thethermostats and provide appropriate commands to HVAC equipment inresponse to the requests.

In some cases, a zone control panel may be programmed or customized fora particular application. A need remains for zone control panels thatare easy and intuitive to use.

SUMMARY

The present invention pertains to zone control panels that arerelatively easy and intuitive to configure and use. In some instances, azone control panel may be configured to have an easy to use menustructure having, for example, a configuration mode and/or a checkoutmode. In some embodiments, the configuration mode may, if present,include a number of single level menu screens without any sub-menulevels, but this is not required in all embodiments. Similarly, thecheckout mode may, if present, include a number of single level menuscreens without any sub-menu levels, but again, this is not required inall embodiments.

When a particular mode includes a single level menu structure, the modemay be traversed by moving either forwards or backwards through thesingle-level menu screens, thereby reducing the perceived complexity ofthe menu structure. In some embodiments, two or more buttons may beprovided that have unique and constant functions for manipulating thesingle level menus and/or for setting one or more parameters specifiedin the menus of the zone controller. For example there may be a forwardbutton for traversing forward through the single level menu screens, aback button for traversing backwards through the single level menuscreens, and one or more parameter select buttons for selecting and/orchanging the value of selected parameters via the menu screens. In someembodiments, these buttons may be dedicated to performing these tasks,and may be marked with indicia that indicate to the user the dedicatedtask. While this is not required in all embodiments, when so provided,this may increase the intuitive nature of the zone control panel userinterface.

In some embodiments, a mode selector may be provided, which may allow auser to select a particular mode of the zone control panel, such as aconfiguration mode and/or a checkout mode. In some cases, the modeselector may be a separate dedicated button on the zone control panel,but this is not required in all embodiments. It is also contemplatedthat a mode indicator may be provided to provide a visual indication ofthe selected mode, but again this is not required in all embodiments.When in a selected mode, the zone control panel may display only themenu screens that are associated with the selected mode.

In some instances, the zone control panel may be configured to determineif changes were made to one or more parameters of the zone control panelvia the menu screens. If changes were made, the zone control panel mayquery the user as to whether the changes should be saved or not. Forexample, and in one illustrative embodiment, a mode selector is used toselect a particular mode. Once in the selected mode, the user may moveabout the menu screens for that particular mode, and review and/orchange one or more parameter values, as desired. The zone control panelmay track if any changes were made to any of the zone controlparameters. If changes were made, the zone control panel may query theuser as to whether the changes should be saved. If the user answers inthe affirmative, the changes are saved. If the user answers in thenegative, the changes are discarded. This query may be provided prior toexiting the selected mode, but this is not required. If no changes weremade by the user, the zone control panel may simply exit the selectedmode without querying the user.

In some embodiments, one or more of the menu screens may enable a userto select a number of zones that the zone control panel should control.For example, a zone control panel may be capable of controlling fourzones, but a particular building may only have three zones. In such acase, the user may use one or more menu screens to select the number ofzones that are actually present in the building. The zone control panelmay then control the zones based, at least in part, on the number ofselected zones, rather than on the four zone capability of theillustrative zone controller. In some cases, the zone control panel mayhave a controller that uses a control algorithm that accepts as an inputthe number of zones to actually control. The control algorithm maycontrol the zones differently depending on the number of selected zones.

In some instances, a zone control panel may be provided that allows auser to specify a thermostat type for each or selected zones. By knowingthe thermostat type, the zone control panel may interpret the signalsreceived from each connected thermostat based on the indicatedthermostat type. This may simplify, for example, the setup and/orconfiguration of the zone control panel.

The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describeeach disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the presentinvention. The Figures and Detailed Description that follow moreparticularly exemplify these embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describeeach disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the presentinvention. The Figures, Detailed Description and Examples which followmore particularly exemplify these embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an illustrative but non-limiting zonecontrol panel in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the illustrative but non-limiting zone controlpanel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic schematic view of an illustrative butnon-limiting HVAC control system in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a front view of a portion of the illustrative zone controlpanel of FIG. 1, showing an operating condition;

FIGS. 5 through 22 are front views of a portion of the illustrative zonecontrol panel of FIG. 1, showing aspects of a zone control panelconfiguration mode in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 23 through 43 are front views of a portion of the illustrativezone control panel of FIG. 1, showing aspects of a zone control panelcheckout mode in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 44 through 49 are front views of a portion of a zone controlpanel, showing examples of mode selection and mode indicator elements;

FIG. 50 is a flow diagram showing an illustrative method that may becarried out using the illustrative zone control panel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 51 is a flow diagram showing an illustrative method that may becarried out using the illustrative zone control panel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 52 is a flow diagram showing an illustrative method that may becarried out using the illustrative zone control panel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 53 is a flow diagram showing an illustrative method that may becarried out using the illustrative zone control panel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 54 is a flow diagram showing an illustrative method that may becarried out using the illustrative zone control panel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 55 is a flow diagram showing an illustrative method that may becarried out using the illustrative zone control panel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 56 is a flow diagram showing an illustrative method that may becarried out using the illustrative zone control panel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 57 is a flow diagram showing an illustrative method that may becarried out using the illustrative zone control panel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 58 shows aspects of a method that may be carried out using theillustrative zone control panel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 59 shows aspects of a method that may be carried out using theillustrative zone control panel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 60 is a flow diagram showing an illustrative method that may becarried out using the illustrative zone control panel of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 61A-61D provide a flow diagram showing an illustrative zonecontrol panel configuration mode that may be carried out using theillustrative zone control panel of FIG. 1; and

FIGS. 62A-62B provide a flow diagram showing an illustrative zonecontrol panel checkout mode that may be carried out using theillustrative zone control panel of FIG. 1.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternativeforms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in thedrawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood,however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to theparticular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is tocover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe spirit and scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description should be read with reference to the drawings,in which like elements in different drawings are numbered in likefashion. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depictselected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of theinvention. Although examples of construction, dimensions, and materialsare illustrated for the various elements, those skilled in the art willrecognize that many of the examples provided have suitable alternativesthat may be utilized.

The present invention pertains generally to multi-zone HVAC systems, inwhich two or more thermostats are connected to a zone control panel. Thetwo or more thermostats, which may each be located within a distinctzone of a conditioned space, may provide the zone control panel withcalls for heat, cooling, filtration, ventilation, fan, and/or the like.The zone control panel may, in turn, provide appropriate instructions orsignals to the appropriate HVAC equipment such as heating equipment, airconditioning equipment, ventilation equipment, humidification and/ordehumidification equipment, and/or the like. If the thermostats placedwithin different zones make different calls for heating, cooling and thelike, the zone control panel may provide appropriate instructions orsignals to open or close particular zone dampers, typically within theduct work of the HVAC system.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an illustrative but non-limiting zonecontrol panel 10. In some cases, zone control panel 10 may include auser interface 12 that may be used to configure, program and/or operatezone control panel 10 or at least certain features thereof. Zone controlpanel 10 may include a controller 14. Controller 14 may include, forexample, a memory and a microprocessor. The memory may be used to storemenus, operating instructions and other programming, parameter valuesand the like, for controlling the zone control panel 10 and the userinterface 12. User interface 12 may also include a display 16 and acontrol pad 18, if desired. While the control pad 18 is shown separatefrom display 16 in FIG. 1, it is contemplated that the control pad 18 orparts thereof may be implemented as part of the display 16, such as whenthe display 16 is a touch screen type display, if desired. It iscontemplated that display 16 may be any suitable display including, forexample, a liquid crystal display, an alphanumeric display, a fixedsegment display, a dot matrix display, a touch screen display, or anyother suitable display, as desired. More generally, display 16 may beany type of display that conveys appropriate information to a user.

Controller 14 may be adapted to, for example, display menus, operatingparameters and the like on display 16 and to accept inputs from controlpad 18. One illustrative display 16 and control pad 18 may be betterviewed with respect to FIG. 2, which is a front view of an illustrativeembodiment of zone control panel 10. In the illustrative embodimentshown in FIG. 2, control pad 18 may include a back button 20 and a nextbutton 22 that may be used to, for example, select among menu items orperhaps to select between sub-menus within a larger menu, if desired.The illustrative control pad 18 may also include a first arrow button 24and a second arrow button 26. In some cases, first arrow button 24and/or second arrow button 26 may be used to, for example, select and/orchange a parameter or a parameter value.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, control pad 18 may include distinct mechanicalbuttons such as back button 20, next button 22, first arrow button 24and second arrow button 26. However, and as indicated above, it iscontemplated that at least part of control pad 18 could instead beimplemented using a touch screen or may be implemented as soft keys, ifdesired. If control pad 18 is implemented as part of a touch screen,display 16 may also be formed as part of the same touch screen.

In some illustrative embodiments, user interface 12 may include a modebutton 28. A button may include an electromechanical button or any othertype of button as desired. It will be appreciated that in some cases,zone control panel 10 may be switched between two or more differentmodes such as a setup or configuration mode, an operational mode and acheckout mode, for example. Mode button 28 may be configured to permit auser to toggle or cycle between these and potentially other operationalmodes, if desired.

In some embodiments, the mode button 28, back button 20, next button 22,first arrow button 24 and/or second arrow button 26 may have unique andconstant functions for manipulating the single level menus and/or forsetting one or more parameters specified in the menus of the zonecontrol panel 10. That is, and in some embodiments, these buttons may bededicated to performing these tasks, and in some cases, may be markedwith distinct markings or indicia that indicate to the user thededicated task. While this is not required in all embodiments, when soprovided, this may increase the intuitive nature of the zone controlpanel user interface.

In some cases, user interface 12 may also include a mode indicator lightset 30 that may provide visual confirmation of the particular modeselected. As illustrated, mode light set 30 includes an operational modelight 32, a configuration mode light 34 and a checkout mode light 36. Asmode button 28 is pressed to move between these modes, the appropriatemode light may be illuminated. Any suitable light source may be used,although in some cases, operational mode light 32, configuration modelight 34 and checkout mode light 36 may each include one or more LEDs.

Zone control panel 10 may include a secondary control panel 38.Secondary control panel 38 may, as illustrated, include a bank of HVACstatus lights 40. The HVAC status lights 40 may be used to, for example,indicate whether the heating equipment is running, and if so, if thefirst stage, second stage or third stage heating equipment is running.Similarly, HVAC status lights 40 may be used to indicate the operationalstatus of the cooling equipment, fan, ventilation equipment, and/or thelike. In some cases, HVAC status lights 40 may also be used to verifythat zone control panel 10 is able to communicate with and/or isproperly connected to the appropriate HVAC equipment.

In some illustrative embodiments, secondary control panel 38 may also,if desired, include a bank of zone lights 42. In some cases, zone lights42 may be used to indicate which zone dampers are open or closed,whether or not zone control panel 10 is able to communicate with each ofthe zone dampers within each zone, and/or which zones are currentlyserving heating, cooling or ventilation demands, for example. In somecases, both HVAC status lights 40 and zone lights 42 may be LEDs,although this is not required. Secondary control panel 38 may alsoinclude an emergency heat button 44 that can be used to, for example,put the HVAC equipment into an emergency heating mode.

The illustrative zone control panel 10 may also include a first bank 46of connection points and a second bank 48 of connection points. In somecases, one or both of first bank 46 and/or second bank 48 of connectionpoints, or portions thereof, may be used for electrically connectingeach of the remotely located thermostats to zone control panel 10. Insome cases, one or both of first bank 46 and/or second bank 48 ofconnection points, or portions thereof, may be used for electricallyconnecting zone HVAC equipment and zone dampers to zone control panel10.

In some instances, zone control panel 10 may include a first bank 50 ofapertures disposed along first bank 46 of connection points and a secondbank 52 of apertures disposed along second bank 48 of connection points.In some instances, first bank 50 of apertures and/or second bank 52 ofapertures may be adapted to provide ventilation. In some cases, firstbank 50 of apertures and/or second bank 52 of apertures may be absent.

In some instances, it is contemplated that first bank 50 of aperturesand/or second bank 52 of apertures may be adapted to accommodate one ormore indicator lights. Such indicator lights, if present, may be used tohelp confirm electrical connections between zone control panel 10 andone or more pieces of HVAC equipment, one or more zone dampers, and/orthe like.

In FIG. 2, zone control panel 10 is shown without any covers, in orderto illustrate particular features of zone control panel 10. It will berecognized, however, that zone control panel 10 may include one or morecovers that may fit over part or all of zone control panel 10 in orderto protect zone control panel 10 from dust, to prevent inadvertentaccess to controls underneath the cover(s), or even to provide a moreaesthetically pleasing appearance. If included, one or more covers maysnap fit onto zone control panel 10. In some cases, for example, a covermay be configured to hide essentially all of zone control panel 10,except for secondary control panel 38.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic schematic view of an illustrative butnon-limiting HVAC control system in accordance with the presentinvention. The illustrative HVAC control system 54 includes a firstthermostat 56, a second thermostat 58, a third thermostat 60 and afourth thermostat 62 all connected to zone control panel 10. Asillustrated, first thermostat 56 is connected through a total of elevenwires 64, second thermostat 58 is connected through a total of elevenwires 66, third thermostat 60 is connected through a total of elevenwires 68 and fourth thermostat 62 is connected through a total of elevenwires 70. In other instances, each thermostat may instead be connectedthrough two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or evenmore than eleven wires, depending on the type of HVAC equipment beingcontrolled and the exact functionality of the thermostats. In otherinstances, it is contemplated that one or more of the thermostats may beconnected to the zone control panel 10 via a wireless connection.

In some instances, zone control panel 10 in general and user interface12 in particular may be configured for ease of use. Zone control panel10 may be configured, for example, to operate via one or more menus thateach includes a number of menu screens. In some cases, zone controlpanel 10 may be configured to permit a user to scroll through a menu,from one menu screen to the next, while staying on a single menu level,without hierarchal sub-menus. A single level menu may be considered asincluding a number of menu screens that may be sequentially viewed,sometimes either in a forwards direction and/or a backwards direction,easily and intuitively. In some instances, a series of menu screens maybe viewed sequentially but one or more menu screens may be skipped if,for example, a particular menu screen is not applicable as a result ofan option selection or parameter value set in a previous menu screen.

In some instances, a menu may include several menu modes. Zone controlpanel 10 may, for example, be configured to permit a user to select andthen travel through several menu modes. Each menu mode may include asequential series of menu screens, as referenced above. The followingFigures provide examples of menu screens that demonstrate theeasy-to-use and intuitive nature of the illustrative zone control panel10.

FIG. 4 shows a portion of zone control panel 10, illustrating aparticular operating condition. In particular, FIG. 4 shows userinterface 12, including display 16. Zone control panel 10 is illustratedin a DATS (Discharge Air Temperature Sensor) mode. In some instances,this may be considered as the normal run mode, as zone control panel 10is not in a configuration mode, in which configuration parameters may beset, and is not in a checkout mode, in which connections between zonepanel 10 and other equipment may be confirmed.

In the DATS mode, controller 14 (FIG. 1) may be configured or programmedto display a current sensor reading for a discharge air temperaturesensor of the HVAC system, as well as displaying easy-to-read textconfirming (in addition to operational mode light 32 being lit) whatmode zone control panel 10 is in, as well as explaining the meaningand/or context of the sensor reading being displayed on display 16. Insome instances, if desired, a user may be able to cause zone controlpanel 10 to enter a configuration mode by, for example, pressing modebutton 28. In some cases, mode button 28 is a dedicated mode selectbutton that has the single function of selecting the mode of the userinterface 12 and/or zone control panel 10.

FIGS. 5 through 22 show various menu screens that may be displayed uponuser interface 12 when zone control panel 10 is in its configurationmode. FIG. 5, in particular, shows the menu screen that may appear whenmode button 28 is pushed once while zone control panel 10 is in its DATSmode. In FIG. 5, it can be seen that operational mode light 32 is nolonger illuminated while configuration mode light 34 is now illuminated.As seen on display 16, a user is being asked to specify the type ofsystem that zone control panel 10 is connected to.

In the illustrated embodiment, controller 14 (FIG. 1) asks the user topick between a conventional system and a heat pump system. It iscontemplated that additional options may be provided, such as ageothermal system or perhaps an HVAC system that is entirely powered bysite-generated electricity such as solar or wind power. In some cases,controller 14 may be programmed to default to a particular setting, andthe user may then toggle between the default setting and othersetting(s). As illustrated, a conventional system is now selected, but auser may toggle to the heat pump option simply by pressing second arrowbutton 26. Once a system type is selected, a user may move to the nextmenu screen in sequence by pressing next button 22.

FIG. 6 provides a view of zone control panel 10 displaying the next menuscreen. In this menu screen, controller 14 (FIG. 1) asks the user toconfigure the number of cooling stages. Display 16 provides both atextual description of the parameter to be set as well as the parametervalues to choose from, thereby assisting the user in operating zonecontrol panel 10. It should be recognized that in some cases, what isdisplayed in a particular menu screen (such as those shown in FIG. 6)may be dependent upon previous parameter selections. For example,selecting a number of cooling stages may depend, at least in part, onthe previous selection of a conventional system type. If another systemtype had been selected, it should be recognized that controller 14 mayinstead be requesting a different parameter selection at this point.

In the illustrated embodiment, controller 14 (FIG. 1) permits a user tospecify whether there are 0, 1 or 2 cooling stages that may becontrolled via zone control panel 10. In some cases, these options maybe different. In some instances, a user may, for example, be asked tochoose whether there are 0 or 1 cooling stages only. Perhaps more than 2cooling stages may be present, and thus controller 14 may permit a userto select between 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or even more cooling stages. A user mayscroll back and forth between the options displayed on display 16 bypressing either the first arrow button 24 and/or the second arrow button26. As shown, one cooling stage has been selected. Once the number ofcooling stages has been selected, a user may move to the next menuscreen in sequence by pressing next button 22.

FIG. 7 provides a view of zone control panel 10 displaying the next menuscreen, hi this menu screen, controller 14 (FIG. 1) asks the user toconfigure the number of heating stages. Display 16 provides both atextual description of the parameter to be set as well as the parametervalues to choose from, thereby assisting the user in using zone controlpanel 10. It should be recognized that in some cases, what is displayedin a particular menu screen (such as those shown in FIG. 7) may bedependent upon previous parameter selections. For example, selecting anumber of heating stages may depend, at least in part, on the previousselection of a conventional system type. If another system type had beenselected, it should be recognized that controller 14 may instead berequesting a different parameter selection at this point.

In the illustrated embodiment, controller 14 (FIG. 1) permits a user tospecify whether there are 0, 1, 2, or 3 heating stages that may becontrolled via zone control panel 10. In some cases, these options maybe different. In some instances, a user may, for example, be asked tochoose whether there are 0 or 1 heating stages only. Perhaps more than 3heating stages may be present, and thus controller 14 may permit a userto select between an appropriate number of heating stages. A user mayscroll back and forth between the options displayed on display 16 bypressing either the first arrow button 24 and/or the second arrow button26. As shown, one heating stage has been selected. Once the number ofheating stages has been set, a user may move to the next menu screen insequence by pressing next button 22. Note also, that a user may move toa previous menu screen by pressing the back button 20, at which time theuser may change a previous parameter selection if desired.

In some embodiments, one or more of the menu screens may enable a userto select a number of zones that the zone control panel 10 shouldcontrol. For example, the zone control panel 10 may be capable ofcontrolling four zones, but a particular building may only have threezones. In such a case, the user may use one or more menu screens toselect the number of zones that are actually installed and/or connectedin the building. The zone control panel may then control the zonesbased, at least in part, on the number of selected zones, rather than onthe four zone capability of the illustrative zone control panel 10. Insome cases, the controller 14 of the zone control panel 10 may uses acontrol algorithm that accepts as an input the number of zones toactually control. The control algorithm may control the zonesdifferently depending on the number of selected zones.

FIG. 8 provides a view of zone control panel 10 displaying the next menuscreen from FIG. 7. In this menu screen, controller 14 (FIG. 1) asks theuser to specify how many different zones are to be controlled via zonecontrol panel 10. Display 16 provides textual information identifyingthe parameter to be set as well as options for its numerical value. Insome cases, this may make zone control panel 10 easier and moreintuitive to use. In some instances, controller 14 may display anumerical value that can be incremented by pressing the second arrowbutton 26 and/or decremented by pressing the first arrow button 24,rather than simply presenting predetermined options that a user mayscroll between.

As illustrated, display 16 may provide visual representations of thebutton or buttons that may be used to set or change the displayedparameter. For example, as illustrated, display 16 shows a left arrow onthe left side of the displayed parameter value (corresponding to leftarrow button 24) and a right arrow on the right side of the displayedparameter value (corresponding to right arrow button 26). Moreover, andin some embodiments, the left arrow on the left side of the display 16may be similar to the indicia or markings on the left arrow button 24,and the right arrow on the right side of the display 16 may be similarto the indicia or markings on the right arrow button 26. As a result, auser may be better informed as to how to change the value of thedisplayed parameter. The visual representations of the appropriatebuttons may be considered as helping the user to understand operation ofzone control panel 10 and thus may help make zone control panel 10 moreintuitive and easy-to-use. As shown, the user has specified that fourzones are present. Once this has been set, a user may move to the nextmenu screen in sequence by pressing next button 22.

FIG. 9 provides a view of zone control panel 10 displaying the next menuscreen from FIG. 8. In this menu screen, controller 14 (FIG. 1) asks theuser whether he or she wishes to travel through the advancedconfiguration menu screens. Display 16 provides both a textualdescription of the question as well as the available answers to togglebetween in order to assist the user. A user may toggle back and forthbetween NO and YES options displayed on display 16 by pressing eitherthe first arrow button 24 and/or the second arrow button 26. In FIG. 9,a user has selected NO. Pressing the next button 22 will causecontroller 14 to advance to a menu screen represented in FIG. 19.However, if a user selects YES, as shown in FIG. 10, controller 10 willdisplay the first of one or more advanced configuration menu screens asshown in FIG. 11.

In FIG. 11, controller 14 (FIG. 1) asks the user to specify whether heatfan control should be controlled by the HVAC equipment itself or if zonecontrol panel 10 should be configured to override the HVAC equipment.Display 16 provides both a textual description of the question as wellas the available answers to toggle between in order to make zone controlpanel 10 easier to use. A user may toggle between the options displayedon display 16 by pressing either the first arrow button 24 and/or thesecond arrow button 26. In the illustrated embodiment, a user hasspecified that the HVAC equipment should control the heat fan. Once thishas been set, a user may move to the next menu screen in sequence bypressing next button 22.

FIG. 12 provides a view of zone control panel 10 displaying the nextmenu screen from FIG. 11. In this menu screen, controller 14 (FIG. 1)asks the user to set a purge time. Display 16 provides both a textualdescription of the parameter to be set as well as the parameter valuesto choose from, thereby providing ease of use. A user may toggle backand forth between options displayed on display 16 by pressing either thefirst arrow button 24 and/or the second arrow button 26. In theillustrated embodiment, a user has selected a purge time of 2 minutes.Once this has been set, a user may move to the next menu screen insequence by pressing next button 22.

FIG. 13 provides a view of zone control panel 10 displaying the nextmenu screen. In this menu screen, controller 14 (FIG. 1) asks the userto specify fan control during purge time. Display 16 improves ease ofuse by providing both a textual description of the parameter to be setas well as the parameter values to choose from. A user may toggle backand forth between options displayed on display 16 by pressing either thefirst arrow button 24 and/or the second arrow button 26. In theillustrated embodiment, a user has specified that the HVAC equipmentprovide fan control during purge time. Once this has been set, a usermay move to the next menu screen in sequence by pressing next button 22.

FIG. 14 provides a view of zone control panel 10 displaying the nextmenu screen. In this menu screen, controller 14 (FIG. 1) asks the userto specify whether the dampers should be opened or left unchanged duringpurge time. Display 16 provides both a textual description of theparameter to be set as well as the parameter values to choose from,thereby making zone control panel 10 easier to use. A user may toggleback and forth between options displayed on display 16 by pressingeither the first arrow button 24 and/or the second arrow button 26. Inthe illustrated embodiment, a user has specified that the dampers remainunchanged during purge time. Once this has been set, a user may move tothe next menu screen in sequence by pressing next button 22.

FIG. 15 provides a view of zone control panel 10 displaying the nextmenu screen. In this menu screen, controller 14 (FIG. 1) asks the userto specify a changeover delay. Display 16 provides both a textualdescription of the parameter to be set as well as the parameter valuesto choose from in order to assist a user. A user may toggle back andforth between options displayed on display 16 by pressing either thefirst arrow button 24 and/or the second arrow button 26. In theillustrated embodiment, a user has specified a twenty minute changeoverdelay. Once this has been set, a user may move to the next menu screenin sequence by pressing next button 22.

FIG. 16 provides a view of zone control panel 10 displaying the nextmenu screen. In this menu screen, controller 14 (FIG. 1) asks the userto specify whether or not there is a discharge temperature sensorconnected to zone control panel 10. Display 16 provides both a textualdescription of the parameter to be set as well as the parameter valuesto choose from in order to make zone control panel 10 easier to use. Auser may toggle back and forth between options displayed on display 16by pressing either the first arrow button 24 and/or the second arrowbutton 26. In the illustrated embodiment, a user has specified thatthere is a discharge temperature sensor. Once this has been set, a usermay move to the next menu screen in sequence by pressing next button 22.

FIG. 17 provides a view of zone control panel 10 displaying the nextmenu screen. In this menu screen, controller 14 (FIG. 1) asks the userto set a high limit lockout value for the discharge air temperature.Display 16 improves usability by providing both a textual description ofthe parameter to be set as well as the parameter values to choose from.In some instances, controller 14 may display a numerical value that canbe incremented by pressing the second arrow button 26 and/or decrementedby pressing the first arrow button 24, rather than simply presentingpredetermined options that a user may toggle between. Like above withrespect to FIG. 8, display 16 may provide visual representations of thebutton or buttons that may be used to set or change the displayedparameter. In the illustrated embodiment, a user has set a high limitlockout temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Once this has been set, auser may move to the next menu screen in sequence by pressing nextbutton 22.

FIG. 18 provides a view of zone control panel 10 displaying the nextmenu screen. In this menu screen, controller 14 (FIG. 1) asks the userto set a low limit lockout value for the discharge air temperature.Display 16 provides both a textual description of the parameter to beset as well as the parameter values to choose from to improve usability.In some instances, controller 14 may display a numerical value that canbe incremented by pressing the second arrow button 26 and/or decrementedby pressing the first arrow button 24, rather than simply presentingpredetermined options that a user may toggle between. Again, display 16may also provide visual representations of the button or buttons thatmay be used to set or change the displayed parameter. In the illustratedembodiment, a user has set a low limit lockout temperature of 40 degreesFahrenheit. Once this has been set, a user may move to the next menuscreen in sequence by pressing next button 22.

FIG. 19 provides a view of zone control panel 10 displaying the nextmenu screen. As noted above, if a user decides not to enter the advancedconfiguration portion of the configuration mode (FIG. 9), FIG. 19 is thenext menu screen that will be displayed. Or, if the user passes throughthe advanced configuration menu screens and, in leaving FIG. 18, pressesnext button 22, FIG. 19 may be the next menu screen to be displayed.

In FIG. 19, controller 14 (FIG. 1) asks the user if he or she wishes tosave any changes that may have been made within the configuration mode.Display 16 provides both a textual description of the question beingasked as well as the possible answers to choose from, thereby assistinga user. A user may toggle back and forth between options displayed ondisplay 16 by pressing either the first arrow button 24 and/or thesecond arrow button 26. In some instances, a user may decide to discardany changes made if, for example, they did not intend to make anychanges, or if they are not certain if they made the appropriatechanges.

As shown in FIG. 19, a user has elected to discard any changes that mayhave been intentionally or even unintentionally made within theconfiguration mode. Pressing the next button 22 causes the next menuscreen to be displayed, as shown in FIG. 20. In FIG. 20, display 16indicates that zone control panel 10 is exiting the configuration mode.

In the case where a user wants to save the changes made while zonecontrol panel 10 was in the configuration mode. As shown in FIG. 21, auser may toggle between options displayed on display 16, and therebyselect YES, by pressing either the first arrow button 24 and/or thesecond arrow button 26. Once this has been set, a user may move to thenext menu screen in sequence by pressing next button 22. As shown inFIG. 22, controller 14 (FIG. 1) may cause display 16 to provideconfirmation that the changes are, in fact, being saved.

In the above discussion, a user has moved sequentially from menu screento menu screen, i.e., from FIG. 4 to FIG. 5, from FIG. 5 to FIG. 6, andso on. It should be recognized that a user may also move sequentiallybackwards through the menu. For example, a user could be at the menuscreen depicted in FIG. 8, for example, and return to the menu screendepicted in FIG. 7 simply by pressing the back button 20. In someinstances, a user may move forwards and backwards as desired.

A user may scroll through one or more menu screens without making anychanges to whatever parameter or setting is shown in a particular menuscreen. For example, some menu screens may provide a default setting fora particular parameter. If the default setting is appropriate for aparticular situation, a user may scroll through that particular menuscreen using the next button 22 and/or the back button 20, asappropriate, without making any selections or changing any parametervalues. The controller 14 may track whether any changes were indeedmade, and if not, the menu screen shown in FIG. 19 may be skipped, andinstead the menu screen shown in FIG. 20 may be displayed.

Also, in some embodiments, if the mode select button 28 is pressedanytime while in the configuration mode, the controller may exit theconfiguration mode. In some instances, the controller 14 may trackwhether any changes were made by the user while in the configurationmode, and if so, the menu screen shown in FIG. 19 may displayed in orderto query the user as to whether the changes should be saved. If nochanges were made, the controller 14 may skip to the menu screen shownin FIG. 20.

FIGS. 23 through 43 show various illustrative menu screens that may bedisplayed upon user interface 12 when zone control panel 10 is in itscheckout mode. FIG. 23, in particular, shows the menu screen that mayappear when mode button 28 is pushed twice from a point in time whilezone control panel 10 is in its DATS mode. In FIG. 23, it can be seenthat checkout mode light 36 is now illuminated while both operationalmode light 32 and configuration mode light 34 are both off.

In some cases, zone control panel 10 may be connected to one or moretemperature sensors. In FIG. 23, controller 10 (FIG. 1) is displaying anoutdoor temperature reading on display 16 as well as descriptive textidentifying the numerical value being displayed. The informationdisplayed on display 16 confirms to a user that an outdoor temperaturesensor is connected to zone control panel 10 and appears to befunctioning correctly. Similarly, FIG. 24 demonstrates that a dischargetemperature sensor is connected to zone control panel 10 and appears tobe functioning correctly. A user may move from the menu screen depictedin FIG. 23 to the menu screen depicted in FIG. 24 simply by pressing thenext button 22.

In some instances, the checkout mode permits a user, technician or otherindividual to make sure that the zone control panel 10 is correctlyconnected to any and/or all HVAC equipment that zone control panel 10 isexpected to control, as well as to make sure that the HVAC equipment isfunctioning correctly. As shown in FIGS. 25 through 38, zone controlpanel 10 is configured to permit these checks to be made easily andintuitively, without requiring a complicated, hard-to-use, hierarchalmenu.

The menu screen depicted in FIG. 25 may, for example, be reached fromthe menu screen depicted in FIG. 24 by pushing the next button 22. Itwill be recognized that at least some of the equipment options tested inthis series of menu screens may be dependent on how choices werepreviously made in the configuration mode, if any changes or choiceswere made. For example, with respect to testing heat stages, it will beremembered that in the menu screen shown in FIG. 7, a user selected asingle heat stage. Consequently, only one heat stage is tested in theillustrative checkout mode. If the user had previously selected two heatstages, both could now be tested.

FIG. 25 provides a view of zone control panel 10 displaying a menuscreen in which controller 14 (FIG. 1) permits a user to test theheating equipment. Display 16 provides an indication of what HVACequipment is to be tested, as well as providing options that can betoggled between using the first arrow button 24 and/or the second arrowbutton 26. In this case, a user can toggle between not energizing theheat, and energizing first stage heat. As shown in FIG. 25, no heat isbeing energized.

This may be confirmed by reviewing secondary control panel 38, in whichnone of the HVAC status lights 40 are lit. In particular, heat 1 light72 is not lit. However, if a user decides to energize the first heatstage, they can so do by toggling to the desired selection, as seen inFIG. 26. In FIG. 26, it can be seen that the heat 1 light 72 has nowbeen lit. In some instances, the heat 1 light 72 may be red, but this isnot required. It should be noted that in the illustrated example, and asseen in FIGS. 25 through 30, all of the zone dampers are open asindicated by the zone lights 42 all being lit. In some cases, theselights may be green, but this is not required. Other colors may also beused. In the illustrative diagrams, a dark black fill pattern indicatesa red color, and a gray fill pattern indicates a green color. Once theheat has been satisfactorily tested, a user may scroll to the menuscreen shown in FIG. 27 by pressing the next button 22.

FIG. 27 provides a view of zone control panel 10 displaying a menuscreen in which controller 14 (FIG. 1) permits a user to test thecooling equipment. As noted above, at least some of the availableequipment options may be dependent on previously made choices. Forexample, with respect to testing cooling stages, it will be rememberedthat in the menu screen shown in FIG. 6, a user selected a singlecooling stage. Consequently, only one cooling stage is tested in theillustrative checkout mode.

Display 16 provides an indication of what HVAC equipment is to betested, as well as providing options that can be toggled between usingthe first arrow button 24 and/or the second arrow button 26. In thiscase, a user can toggle between not energizing the cooling equipment,and energizing first stage cooling. As shown in FIG. 27, no equipment isbeing tested.

This may be confirmed by reviewing secondary control panel 38, in whichnone of the HVAC status lights 40 are lit. In particular, cool 1 light74 is not lit. However, if a user decides to test the first coolingstage, they can so do by toggling to the desired selection, as seen inFIG. 28. In FIG. 28, it can be seen that the cool 1 light 74 has nowbeen lit. In some instances, a fan light 76 may also be lit when thecooling equipment is operating. In some cases, cool 1 light 74 and/orfan light 76 may be green, but this is not required. Once the coolingequipment has been satisfactorily tested, a user may scroll to the menuscreen shown in FIG. 29 by pressing the next button 22.

FIG. 29 provides a view of zone control panel 10 displaying a menuscreen in which controller 14 (FIG. 1) permits a user to test the HVACfan. Display 16 provides an indication of what HVAC equipment is to betested, as well as providing options that can be toggled between usingthe first arrow button 24 and/or the second arrow button 26. In thiscase, a user can toggle between not energizing the fan, and energizingthe fan. As shown in FIG. 29, no equipment is being energized.

This may be confirmed by reviewing secondary control panel 38, in whichnone of the HVAC status lights 40 are lit, and in particular fan light76. However, if a user decides to test the fan, they can so do bytoggling to the desired selection, as seen in FIG. 30. In FIG. 30, itcan be seen that the fan light 76 has now been lit. Once the coolingequipment has been satisfactorily tested, a user may scroll to the menuscreen shown in FIG. 31 by pressing the next button 22.

FIGS. 31 through 38 illustrate menu screens in which a user is permittedto selectively open and/or close the dampers relating to each of thezones that are connected to zone control panel 10, thereby testing theconnections as well as the dampers themselves. In some cases, the fanmay be energized during the damper test, as evidenced by fan light 76.As illustrated, secondary control panel 38 is configured to provideinformation pertaining to a total of four zones, but it will berecognized that in some instances, secondary control panel 38 may beconfigured to accommodate a greater number of zones if desired. In theconfiguration mode (see FIG. 8), the user specified that there were atotal of four zones connected. In the illustrated embodiment, each zonedamper defaults to open, but this is not required.

FIG. 31 provides a view of zone control panel 10 displaying a menuscreen in which controller 14 (FIG. 1) permits a user to test the zoneone damper. Display 16 provides an indication of what HVAC equipment isto be tested, as well as providing options that can be toggled betweenusing the first arrow button 24 and/or the second arrow button 26. Inthis case, a user can toggle between opening the damper and closing thedamper. As shown in FIG. 31, the damper is left open.

This may be confirmed by reviewing secondary control panel 38, in whichall of the zone lights 42 are lit. In particular, zone 1 light 78 is litgreen indicating that the damper is open. However, if a user decides toclose the first zone damper, they can so do by toggling to the desiredselection, as seen in FIG. 32. In FIG. 32, it can be seen that the zone1 light 78 has now changed colors to red. In some instances, a greenlight may indicate an open damper while a red light may indicate aclosed damper, but this is not required. Once the first zone damper hasbeen satisfactorily tested, a user may scroll to the menu screen shownin FIG. 33 by pressing the next button 22.

FIG. 33 provides a view of zone control panel 10 displaying a menuscreen in which controller 14 (FIG. 1) permits a user to test the zonetwo damper. Display 16 provides an indication of what HVAC equipment isto be tested, as well as providing options that can be toggled betweenusing the first arrow button 24 and/or the second arrow button 26. Inthis case, a user can toggle between opening the damper and closing thedamper. As shown in FIG. 33, the damper is left open.

This may be confirmed by reviewing secondary control panel 38, in whichall of the zone lights 42 are lit in green, and in particular, zone 2light 80 is lit green. However, if a user decides to close the secondzone damper, they can so do by toggling to the desired selection, asseen in FIG. 34. In FIG. 34, it can be seen that the zone 2 light 80 hasnow changed colors or red, indicating that the zone two damper isclosed. In some instances, a green light may indicate an open damperwhile a red light may indicate a closed damper, but this is notrequired. Once the second zone damper has been satisfactorily tested, auser may scroll to the menu screen shown in FIG. 35 by pressing the nextbutton 22.

FIG. 35 provides a view of zone control panel 10 displaying a menuscreen in which controller 14 (FIG. 1) permits a user to test the zonethree damper. Display 16 provides an indication of what HVAC equipmentis to be tested, as well as providing options that can be toggledbetween using the first arrow button 24 and/or the second arrow button26. In this case, a user can toggle between opening the damper andclosing the damper. As shown in FIG. 35, the damper is left open.

This may be confirmed by reviewing secondary control panel 38, in whichall of the zone lights 42 are lit green, and in particular, zone 3 light82 is lit green. However, if a user decides to close the third zonedamper, they can so do by toggling to the desired selection, as seen inFIG. 36. In FIG. 36, it can be seen that the zone 3 light 82 has nowchanged colors to red. In some instances, a green light may indicate anopen damper while a red light may indicate a closed damper, but this isnot required. Once the third zone damper has been satisfactorily tested,a user may scroll to the menu screen shown in FIG. 37 by pressing thenext button 22.

FIG. 37 provides a view of zone control panel 10 displaying a menuscreen in which controller 14 (FIG. 1) permits a user to test the zonefour damper. Display 16 provides an indication of what HVAC equipment isto be tested, as well as providing options that can be toggled betweenusing the first arrow button 24 and/or the second arrow button 26. Inthis case, a user can toggle between opening the damper and closing thedamper. As shown in FIG. 37, the damper is left open.

This may be confirmed by reviewing secondary control panel 38, in whichall of the zone lights 42 are lit green, and in particular, zone 4 light84 is lit green. However, if a user decides to close the fourth zonedamper, they can so do by toggling to the desired selection, as seen inFIG. 38. In FIG. 38, it can be seen that the zone 4 light 84 has nowchanged colors to red. In some instances, a green light may indicate anopen damper while a red light may indicate a closed damper, but this isnot required. Once the fourth zone damper has been satisfactorilytested, a user may scroll to the menu screen shown in FIG. 39 bypressing the next button 22.

FIGS. 39 through 42 illustrate menu screens in which a user is permittedto check connections between zone control panel 10 and the thermostatsthat are connected to zone control panel 10. In some cases, each of thethermostats such as first thermostat 56, second thermostat 58, thirdthermostat 60 and fourth thermostat 62 (see FIG. 3) may be individuallyset to a particular operating condition. Zone control panel 10 isconfigured to permit an individual to scroll through a series of menuscreens to confirm that zone control panel 10 is receiving appropriatesignals from each of the thermostats and therefore a user is able toeasily confirm that each of the thermostats are correctly connected(e.g. wired) to zone control panel 10 and that each of the thermostatsare functioning correctly.

In FIG. 39, controller 14 (FIG. 1) is providing a menu screen in whichdisplay 16 provides information relating to the signals being receivedfrom the thermostat for zone one. It can be seen that the thermostat inzone one has been set to call for the fan to operate, as indicated bythe G pin being energized. If the zone control panel indicates that adifferent pin is energized, such as a W1 pin, then the user may need todiagnose a wiring error between the thermostat and the zone controlpanel. Pushing the next button 22 may result in the display of the menuscreen shown in FIG. 40.

In FIG. 40, controller 14 (FIG. 1) is providing a menu screen in whichdisplay 16 provides information relating to the signals being receivedfrom the thermostat in zone two. It can be seen that the thermostat inzone two has been set to call for first stage heating, as indicated bythe W1 pin being energized. Again, if the zone control panel indicatesthat a different pin is energized, then the user may need to diagnose awiring error between the thermostat and the zone control panel. Pushingthe next button 22 will permit a user to scroll to the menu screen shownin FIG. 41.

In FIG. 41, controller 14 (FIG. 1) is providing a menu screen in whichdisplay 16 provides information relating to the signals being receivedfrom the thermostat in zone three. It can be seen that the thermostat inzone three has been set to call for first and second stage heating, asindicated by the W1 pin and the W2 pin being energized. Like above, ifthe zone control panel indicates that a different pin or set of pins isenergized, then the user may need to diagnose a wiring error between thethermostat and the zone control panel. Pushing the next button 22 willpermit a user to scroll to the menu screen shown in FIG. 42.

In FIG. 42, controller 14 (FIG. 1) is providing a menu screen in whichdisplay 16 provides information relating to the signals being receivedfrom the thermostat in zone four. It can be seen that the thermostat inzone four has been set to call for first stage cooling, and that the fanis operational, as indicated by the Y1 pin and the G pin beingenergized. If the zone control panel indicates that a different pin orset of pins is energized, then the user may need to diagnose a wiringerror between the thermostat and the zone control panel. Pushing thenext button 22 will permit a user to scroll to the menu screen shown inFIG. 43.

In FIG. 43, controller 14 (FIG. 1) is providing a menu screen in whichdisplay 16 provides a user with information regarding how to exit thecheckout mode. At this point, a user could decide to scroll backwardsthrough one or more menu screens by pushing the back button 20 anappropriate number of times if, for example, he/she wanted to recheckand/or change one or more items within the checkout mode. However, ifthe user decides to exit the checkout mode, they may do so by pressingthe next button 22.

In the illustrative checkout mode discussed above, a user has movedsequentially from menu screen to menu screen, i.e., from FIG. 30 to FIG.31, from FIG. 31 to FIG. 32, and so on. It will be recognized that auser may also move sequentially backwards through the menu. For example,a user could be at the menu screen depicted in FIG. 35, for example, andreturn to the menu screen depicted in FIG. 34 simply by pressing theback button 20. In some instances, a user may move forwards andbackwards as desired.

A user may scroll through one or more menu screens within the checkoutmode without selecting/changing any equipment, zone damper and/orthermostat tests, if desired, by using the next button 22 and/or theback button 20, as appropriate. For example, perhaps all equipment, zonedampers and thermostats have already been tested, and an error wasfound. Once the error has been corrected, a user may wish to test onlythe affected equipment, zone damper or thermostat without taking thetime to retest everything else.

In the Figures discussed thus far, a user may change between one or moremodes programmed or otherwise present within zone control panel 10 viamode selector button 28 and may receive visible confirmation of theselected mode via mode light set 30, which may, if desired, include oneor more of operational mode light 32, configuration mode light 34 andcheckout mode light 36. FIGS. 44 through 49 provide illustrativealternatives to one or both of mode selector button 28 and modeindicator light set 30.

In some cases, zone control panel 10 may include mode selector button 28but not include mode indicator light set 30. FIG. 44 shows a portion ofzone control panel 10 in which display 16 includes an additional displaysection 86. In some instances, controller 14 may generate analphanumeric or iconic image within display section 86 that informs auser as to what mode zone control panel 10 is in. In some cases,additional display section 86 may be adjacent to display 16. In someinstances, additional display section 86 may be an integral part ofdisplay 16. Like the mode indicator light set 30, it is contemplatedthat the additional display section 86 may be considered a modeindicator.

While text is displayed in the illustrated embodiment, it will berecognized that distinctive icons could be displayed. For example,display section 86 could display an image of a hard hat to denote theconfiguration mode, or perhaps an image of a checkmark to denote thecheckout mode. Any informative icon or clip art could be used, asdesired.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 44, zone control panel 10 is in theDATS, or operational, mode. This Figure may be compared to FIG. 4, whichas previously discussed, also demonstrates zone control panel 10 in theDATS, or operational, mode. In FIG. 44, controller 14 (FIG. 1) indicatesthe mode by displaying “DATS”, or some other indicator, within displaysection 86 while in FIG. 4, controller 14 provides similar informationby illuminating operational mode light 32.

Similarly, FIG. 45 shows a portion of zone control panel 10 in whichadditional display section 86 provides an indication that zone controlpanel 10 is in the configuration mode. In FIG. 45, controller 14(FIG. 1) indicates the mode by displaying “Config”, or some otherindicator, within display section 86. This can be compared to FIG. 6, inwhich controller 14 provides similar information by illuminatingconfiguration mode light 34.

FIG. 46 shows a portion of zone control panel 10 in which additionaldisplay section 86 provides an indication that zone control panel 10 isin the checkout mode. In FIG. 46, controller 14 (FIG. 1) indicates themode by displaying “Check Out”, or some other indicator, within displaysection 86. This can be compared to FIG. 23, in which controller 14provides similar information by illuminating checkout mode light 36.

FIGS. 47 through 49 show a portion of zone control panel 10 includinganother illustrative mode selector and mode indicator. In some cases,and as illustrated, user interface 12 may include a mode selector 88that may be a rotary dial or switch. A rotary dial or switch may includean electromechanical rotary dial or switch, or any other type of rotarydial or switch as desired. In some instances, mode selector 88 mayinclude one or more detents (not shown) that may assist a user inrotating mode selector 88 an appropriate amount. User interface 12 mayalso include a mode indicator including a pointer 90 that may be amarking on mode selector 88, an indentation within mode selector 88, orthe like. Indicia such as a DATS mode indicia 92, a configuration modeindicia 94 and a checkout mode indicia 96 may be disposed proximate modeselector 88 such that pointer 90 in combination with the aforementionedindicia provide an indication of the mode that has been selected.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 47, zone control panel 10 is in theDATS, or operational, mode. Mode selector 88 has been rotated such thatpointer 90 points to (or aligns with) DATS mode indicia 92, therebyshowing what mode has been selected. This can be compared with the menuscreen shown in FIG. 4, in which controller 14 provides similarinformation by illuminating operational mode light 32.

Similarly, in FIG. 48, it can be seen that zone control panel 10 is inthe configuration mode. Mode selector 88 has been rotated such thatpointer 90 points to (or aligns with) configuration mode indicia 94,thereby showing what mode has been selected. This can be compared toFIG. 6, in which controller 14 provides similar information byilluminating configuration mode light 34.

In FIG. 49, it can be seen that zone control panel 10 is in the checkoutmode. Mode selector 88 has been rotated such that pointer 90 points to(or aligns with) checkout mode indicia 96, thereby showing what mode hasbeen selected. This can be compared to FIG. 23, in which controller 14provides similar information by illuminating checkout mode light 36.

In these Figures, mode selector 88 has been illustrated as a rotary dialor switch. In some instances, it is contemplated that mode selector 88could instead be a slider switch. For example, a slider switch could bemounted in an orientation such that its motion is vertical. In somecases, a slider switch could have an upper position corresponding toDATS mode indicia 92, an intermediate position corresponding toconfiguration mode indicia 94 and a lower position corresponding tocheckout mode indicia 96. It is also contemplated that such a sliderswitch could be mounted in a horizontal or any other orientation, asdesired.

It should also be noted that the Figures show a total of three distinctmodes. In some cases, zone control panel 10 may have more or less thanthree distinct modes. For example, zone control panel 10 may have ahistory mode, which would permit a user to review operational data goingback any desired period of time, such as a day, a week, a month or thelike. In some cases, zone control panel 10 may be configured to includea future mode, which may permit an additional mode to be programmed intozone control panel 10 at some future date. Any number of potential modesare contemplated, which may be dependent on the desired applicationand/or expected use of the zone control panel 10.

FIG. 50 shows a method that may be carried out using illustrative zonecontrol panel 10. At block 98, a first mode may be selected using a modeselector such as mode selector 28 (FIG. 2) or mode selector 88 (FIGS.47-49), for example. Control passes to block 100, where a visualindication of the selected mode is provided. In some instances,controller 14 (FIG. 1) may provide textual or graphical information ondisplay 16 (FIG. 1) and/or display section 86 (FIGS. 44-46). In somecases, a visual indication of the selected mode may be provided via modeselector 88 in combination with pointer 90 and indicia 92, 94 and 96(FIGS. 47-49). Control then passes to block 102, where a selected menuthat corresponds to the selected mode is displayed. In some cases,controller 14 may display one or more menu screens that correspond tothe selected mode on display 16.

FIG. 51 shows a method that may be carried out using illustrative zonecontrol panel 10. At block 98, a first mode may be selected using a modeselector such as those discussed above with respect to FIG. 50. Controlpasses to block 100, where a visual indication of the selected mode isprovided as discussed above. At block 102, a selected menu thatcorresponds to the selected mode may be displayed.

Control passes to block 104, where a user is permitted to interact withthe selected menu. For example, a user may scroll through the selectedmenu using the back button 20 (FIG. 2) and the next button 22 (FIG. 2),and/or the user may change parameter settings using the first arrowbutton 24 (FIG. 2) and the second arrow button 26 (FIG. 2) as discussedwith respect to the previous Figures. At block 106, a second mode may beselected using a mode selector. Control then passes to block 108, wherea visual indication of the selected mode is provided as discussed above.At block 110, a selected menu that corresponds to the selected mode maybe displayed, as discussed above.

FIG. 52 is a flow diagram that outlines how a user may, if desired,navigate between different modes using zone control panel 10. At block112, zone control panel 10 may be considered as being in a normal oroperational mode. Control passes to block 114 as a mode button (such asmode selector 28 or mode selector 88) is pressed once. At block 114,zone control panel 10 is in a configuration mode as previouslydiscussed. If the mode button is pressed again, control passes to block116, where controller 14 determines if the user is still at the firstconfiguration step and if no changes have been made. If not, controlreturns to block 112. If the answer is yes, control passes to block 118where zone control panel 10 enters a checkout mode. If the mode buttonis pressed again, control passes to block 120 where controller 14(FIG. 1) determines if the user is still at an initial or first checkoutstep. In either event, pressing the mode button while in the checkoutmode causes control to return to block 112.

FIG. 53 is a flow diagram that illustrates some navigational aspects of,for example, the configuration mode. At block 122, an event has occurredthat may cause zone control panel 10 to exit the configuration mode.Examples of such events include declining entry into an advancedconfiguration mode, pressing the next button 22 (FIG. 2) at a lastconfiguration mode menu screen, pressing the mode button anytime afterentering the configuration mode, and/or an inactivity timeout. At block124, a determination is made as to whether any parameters or parametervalues have been changed while zone control panel 10 was in theconfiguration mode. If no changes were made, zone control panel 10 exitsthe configuration mode.

However, if changes were made to any parameters or parameter valueswhile zone control panel 10 was in the configuration mode, controlpasses to block 126, where controller 14 (FIG. 1) asks the user if thechanges should be saved. A query may, for example, be provided ondisplay 16 (FIG. 1), such as shown in FIG. 21. Control passes toresponse block 128. At block 128, if the changes are not to be saved,the changes are discarded and zone control panel 10 exits theconfiguration mode. If the changes are to be saved, the changes aresaved and then zone control panel 10 exits the configuration mode. Insome cases, the display 16 may show a confirmation message to the userthat the changes are being saved, as shown in, for example, FIG. 22.

FIG. 54 shows an illustrative method that may be carried out usingillustrative zone control panel 10. At block 130, a menu select buttonmay be pushed to select a menu mode. Control passes to block 132, wherecontroller 14 (FIG. 1) displays a menu that corresponds to the menu modethat was selected at block 130. The menu may be displayed on display 16(FIG. 1), but this is not required. At block 134, push buttons may bepushed to move along a single menu level menu structure. In some cases,at optional block 136, changes may be made to programmable parametersthat are identified by the menu structure. Control passes to block 138,where pressing the mode select button causes zone control panel 10 toexit the menu mode.

FIG. 55 shows another illustrative method that may be carried out usingillustrative zone control panel 10. At block 130, a menu select buttonmay be pushed to select a menu mode. In some embodiments, the menuselect button may correspond to the mode button 28 discussed above, andthe menu mode may correspond a corresponding mode of the zone controlpanel 10. Control then passes to block 132, where controller 14 (FIG. 1)displays a menu that corresponds to the menu mode that was selected atblock 130. At block 134, push buttons may be pushed to move along asingle menu level menu structure. In some cases, at optional block 136,changes may be made to programmable parameters that are identified bythe menu structure. Control passes to block 138, where pressing the modeselect button causes zone control panel 10 to exit the selected menumode.

Upon pressing the mode select button at block 138, control passes todecision block 140, where controller 14 (FIG. 1) determines whether anychanges were made. If no changes were made, control passes to block 144and the selected menu mode is exited. However, if changes were made,control passes to block 142, where zone control panel 10 displays aquery asking whether or not the changes should be saved. At decisionblock 146, controller 14 examines the answer. If the changes are not tobe saved, control passes to block 144 and the selected menu mode isexited. If the changes are to be saved, control passes to block 148 andthe changes are saved. In some cases, the menu mode may be exited afterthe changes are saved.

FIG. 56 shows another illustrative method that may be carried out usingillustrative zone control panel 10. At block 150, a number of connectedzones may be inputted. In some cases, zone control panel 10 may beconfigured to accommodate a particular maximum number of zones. In someinstances, zone control panel 10 may be connected to a number of zonesthat is less than the maximum number of zones. In some cases, controller14 (FIG. 1) may display a query on display 16 (FIG. 1), and a user mayinput an answer using control pad 18 (FIG. 1), as previously discussed.Control then passes to block 152, where zone control panel 10 controlsthe number of connected zones. In some cases, the zone control panel mayhave a controller that uses a control algorithm that accepts as an inputthe number of zones to actually control, as previously discussed. Thecontrol algorithm may control the zones differently depending on thenumber of selected zones.

FIG. 57 shows yet another illustrative method that may be carried outusing illustrative zone control panel 10. At block 150, a number ofconnected zones may be inputted, if desired. In some cases, the numberof connected zones may be less than the maximum number of zones. Controlpasses to block 154, where a thermostat type may be inputted for each ofthe connected zones. In some cases, controller 14 (FIG. 1) may display aquery on display 16 (FIG. 1), and a user may input an answer usingcontrol pad 18 (FIG. 1), as previously discussed. It will be recognized,for example, that a thermostat controlling a particular zone may be setup as a conventional thermostat, a heat pump thermostat, and/or anyother suitable thermostat type.

Control passes to block 156, where zone control panel 10 operates inaccordance with the number of connected zones (as inputted at block 150)as well as the types of thermostats (as inputted at block 154). In somecases, different thermostat types will make a heating call or a coolingcall, for example, by energizing different pins or pin combinations. Thepins energized by a conventional thermostat, for example, may bedifferent from the pins energized by a heat pump thermostat. Informingzone control panel 10 of the number and types of zones and/or the typesof thermostats connected to zone control panel 10, controller 14(FIG. 1) may be better suited to operating the HVAC system to which itmay be connected.

FIG. 58 shows some aspects of the methods shown in FIGS. 56 and 57. Atblock 158, a determination is made regarding the number of installedand/or connected zones. In some cases, the number of installed and/orconnected zones may be utilized in various control algorithms used byzone control panel 10. For example, and as shown, if only one zone isinstalled, zone control panel 10 may use that number in operationalcontrol algorithms. Similarly, if there are two, three or four zonesinstalled and/or connected, that number will be used in the operationalcontrol algorithms. The operational control algorithms may control thezones differently depending on the number of selected zones.

The number of installed and/or connected zones may be visuallyconfirmed. As seen in FIG. 58, if for example only zone one isconnected, zone 1 light 78 may be a first color (e.g. green) to signifythat the damper is open and a second color (e.g. red) to signify thatthe damper is closed. Zone 2 light 80, zone 3 light 82 and zone 4 light84 may remain off, or not illuminated.

Similarly, zone 1 light 78 and zone 2 light 80 may be illuminated if twozones are connected while zone 3 light 82 and zone 4 light 84 remainoff. If three zones are present, zone 1 light 78, zone 2 light 80 andzone 3 light 82 may be illuminated while zone 4 light 84 may remain off.If four zones are installed and/or connected, of course all four zonelights 78, 80, 82 and 84 may be illuminated.

FIG. 59 shows some aspects of the methods shown in FIGS. 56 and 57. Atblock 160, a thermostat type has been specified for a particular zone.Depending on what type of thermostat has been specified, it will berecognized that zone control panel 10 may receive different inputs for aparticular desired effect. For example, if the specified thermostat typeis a conventional thermostat, its active inputs (block 162) may includeenergizing the Y1 pin for a cooling call and the W1 pin for a heatingcall. If there are two cooling stages and/or two heating stages, block162 may include energizing the Y1 and the Y2 pins for second stagecooling and/or energizing the W1 and the W2 pins for second stageheating, for example.

If the specified thermostat is a type O heat pump, its active inputs(block 164) may include energizing the Y1 and the O pins for a coolingcall and the Y1 pin or the Y1 and the B pins for a heating call. For atype B heat pump thermostat, its active inputs (block 166) may includeenergizing the Y1 and the B pins for a cooling call and energizing theY1 or the Y1 and the O pins for a heating call. In some instances, asshown at block 168, zone control panel 10 may be configured toaccommodate other or future thermostat types, if desired.

FIG. 60 shows an illustrative method that may be carried out usingillustrative zone control panel 10. At block 170, menu settings may bedisplayed. This may include displaying a menu screen or a sequence ofmenu screens on a display such as display 16 (FIG. 1). At block 172,changes may be inputted to the menu settings. In some instances, thismay include a user inputting changes using user interface 12, asdiscussed with respect to previous Figures. Control passes to block 174,where controller 14 (FIG. 1) asks if changes should be saved.

In some instances, although not required, control may pass to optionaldecision block 176, where zone control panel 10 may determine the answerto the question asked at block 174. If the answer is no, control maypass to optional block 178 where the changes are discarded. Otherwise,control may pass to optional block 180, where the changes are saved.

FIGS. 61A-61D show an illustrative sequence of menu screens that may bescrolled through while zone control panel 10 is in a configuration mode.It will be recognized that while the menu screens are in a particularsequence, not all menu screens may be accessed and displayed, dependingat least in part on how previous settings were or were not changed. Forexample, if a particular menu screen requests information regarding HVACsystem type, and a user answers conventional, any menu screenspertaining to heat pump settings may be skipped. It should also berecognized that these are only illustrative menu screens, and that othermenu screens may be employed, and in a different order, if desired.

Further, it should be recognized that the menu screens may be scrolledthrough either forwards or backwards using the back button 20 (FIG. 2)and/or the next button 22 (FIG. 2), as desired. For example, if a userinadvertently specified that the system is a heat pump type (when itshould be conventional), subsequent menu screens pertaining to heat pumpconfiguration may prompt the user to scroll backwards and correct theiranswer to the system type question.

In any event, and in the illustrative flow diagram, menu screen 182pertains to system type, i.e., conventional, heat pump, or perhaps othersystem types as well. In some cases, menu screen 184 and menu screen 186deal with fuel types and number of compressors, respectively, and may beskipped if the system type is conventional. Menu screen 188 and menuscreen 190 pertain to the number of cooling stages and the number ofheating stages, respectively. Menu screen 192 pertains to the number ofduel fuel stages and menu screen 194 deals with the number of auxiliarystages, respectively. It will be recognized that menu screen 192, forexample, may be skipped if a user answers no to the duel fuel enabledquestion posed in menu screen 184. Menu screen 196 pertains tospecifying a number of zones that are to be controlled by the zonecontrol panel 10.

Menu screen 198 and menu screen 200 pertain to stage 2 control and stage3 control, respectively. Menu screen 202 permits a user to enter to skipan advanced settings portion of the menu, if desired. A number of thefollowing menu screens may be skipped if a user does not enter theadvanced settings portion. Menu screens 204, 206, 208, 210 and 212pertain to heat fan, stage 2 timer, stage 3 timer, purge timer and purgefan settings, respectively. Menu screens 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224,226 and 228 pertain to purge damper, auto change delay, DATS enablement,DATS high limit, DATS low limit, MStg DATS Inhibit, Duel fuel changeoverand ODTemp enablement, respectively. Menu screens 230, 232 and 234pertain to MStg OD lockout, Duel fuel OD Trip, and MStg OD trip,respectively.

Menu screen 236 permits a user to enter and/or display informationpertaining to the thermostat type connected to zone one. Similarly, menuscreens 238, 240 and 242 permit a user to enter and/or displayinformation pertaining to the thermostat types connected to zones two,three, and four, respectively. In some instances, menu screen 242 may bethe final menu screen in sequence within the configuration mode.

FIGS. 62A-62B show an illustrative sequence of menu screens that may bescrolled through while zone control panel 10 is in a checkout mode. Itwill be recognized that while the menu screens are in a particularsequence, not all menu screens may be accessed and displayed, dependingat least in part on how previous settings were or were not changed inthe configuration mode. Further, it should be recognized that the menuscreens may be scrolled through either forwards or backwards using theback button 20 (FIG. 2) and/or the next button 22 (FIG. 2), as desired.It should also be recognized that these are only illustrative menuscreens, and that other menu screens may be employed, and in a differentorder, if desired.

Menu screen 244 pertains to testing an outdoor temperature sensor, ifone is present, while menu screen 246 pertains to testing the dischargeair temperature sensor. The heating equipment may be tested at menuscreen 248. It will be recognized that if only a single heating stagewas specified in the configuration mode, only a single heating stage maybe tested in menu screen 248. If additional heating stages werespecified, they may be tested here as well. Emergency heat, if present,may be tested in menu screen 250. If no emergency heat capability ispresent, menu screen 250 may be skipped. Similarly, any and allinstalled and specified cooling stages may be tested in menu screen 252while the fan may be tested in menu screen 254.

The zone one, zone two, zone three and zone four dampers may be testedin menu screens 256, 258, 260 and 262, respectively, assuming that allfour zones are present and have been configured accordingly. Thethermostats in zone one, zone two, zone three and zone four, if presentand configured accordingly, may be tested in menu screens 264, 266, 268and 270, respectively.

The invention should not be considered limited to the particularexamples described above, but rather should be understood to cover allaspects of the invention as set out in the attached claims. Variousmodifications, equivalent processes, as well as numerous structures towhich the invention can be applicable will be readily apparent to thoseof skill in the art upon review of the instant specification.

1. A zone control panel having a user interface, the user interfacecomprising: a display; a controller configured to control a plurality ofHVAC zones, the controller coupled to the display for displaying a menuon the display, wherein the menu is configured to allow a user to setone or more parameters of the zone control panel; two or more buttonsseparate from the display and coupled to the controller, wherein each ofthe two or more buttons has a unique and constant function, wherein afirst subset of the two or more buttons have a unique and constantfunction for manipulating the menu, and a second subset of the two ormore buttons have a unique and constant function for setting one or moreparameters of the zone control panel via the menu; and wherein the menucomprises a sequence of menu screens, wherein the first subset of thetwo or more buttons include a BACK button to move backwards in thesequence of menu screens and a NEXT button to move forwards in thesequence of menu screens.
 2. The zone control panel of claim 1, whereinthe second subset of the two or more buttons include a first selectbutton and a second select button.
 3. The zone control panel of claim 2,wherein the first select button and the second select button permit auser to select between multiple values of a control parameter on a menuscreen.
 4. The zone control panel of claim 2, wherein the first selectbutton permits a user to increase a value of a control parameter, andthe second select button permits a user to decrease a value of a controlparameter.
 5. A zone control panel having a user interface, the userinterface comprising: a display: a controller configured to control aplurality of HVAC zones, the controller coupled to the display fordisplaying a menu on the display, wherein the menu is configured toallow a user to set one or more parameters of the zone control panel;two or more buttons separate from the display and coupled to thecontroller, wherein each of the two or more buttons has a unique andconstant function, wherein a first subset of the two or more buttonshave a unique and constant function for manipulating the menu, and asecond subset of the two or more buttons have a unique and constantfunction for setting one or more parameters of the zone control panelvia the menu; and wherein the menu includes a first sequence of menuscreens that correspond to a first menu mode, and a second sequence ofmenu screens that correspond to a second menu mode, wherein each of thetwo or more buttons retain their unique and constant function whetherthe menu is in the first menu mode or second menu mode.
 6. The zonecontrol panel of claim 5, wherein the first sequence of menu screensthat correspond to the first menu mode are at a common menu level withno sub-menu screens.
 7. The zone control panel of claim 6, wherein thesecond sequence of menu screens that correspond to the second menu modeare at a common menu level with no sub-menu screens.
 8. The zone controlpanel of claim 5, wherein the first menu mode comprises a configurationmode for at least partially configuring the zone control panel for aparticular installation.
 9. The zone control panel of claim 5, whereinthe second menu mode comprises a checkout mode for checking out theconfiguration and/or installation of the zone control panel.
 10. A zonecontrol panel having a user interface, the user interface comprising: adisplay; a controller configured to control a plurality of HVAC zones,the controller coupled to the display for displaying a menu on thedisplay, wherein the menu is configured to allow a user to set one ormore parameters of the zone control panel; two or more buttons separatefrom the display and coupled to the controller, wherein each of the twoor more buttons has a unique and constant function, wherein a firstsubset of the two or more buttons have a unique and constant functionfor manipulating the menu, and a second subset of the two or morebuttons have a unique and constant function for setting one or moreparameters of the zone control panel via the menu; wherein each of thetwo or more buttons comprise distinct markings disposed on or near eachof the respective buttons that provide an indication to a user of theunique and constant function of the corresponding button; and whereinthe menu includes a number of menu screens, and wherein at least some ofthe menu screens display a marking that is similar to the distinctmarking of at least one of the respective buttons to show a user whichbutton(s) should be used for that menu screen.
 11. A zone control panelhaving a user interface, the user interface comprising: a display; acontroller configured to control a plurality of HVAC zones, thecontroller coupled to the display for displaying a menu on the display,wherein the menu includes two or more menu modes, and for each menumode, the menu includes a series of menu screens including a first menuscreen to a last menu screen that are all at a common menu level with nosub-menu screens; and two or more buttons separate from the display andcoupled to the controller, wherein each of the two or more buttons has aunique and constant function in relation to the menu screens regardlessof the menu mode.
 12. The zone control panel of claim 11, wherein eachof the two or more buttons comprise distinct markings disposed on ornear each of the respective buttons that provide an indication of theunique and constant function of the corresponding button.
 13. The zonecontrol panel of claim 12 wherein at least some of the menu screensdisplay a marking that is similar to the distinct marking of at leastone of the respective buttons to show a user which button(s) should beused for that menu screen.
 14. A zone control panel having a userinterface, the user interface comprising: a display; a controllerconfigured to control a plurality of HVAC zones, the controller coupledto the display for displaying a menu on the display, wherein the menuincludes two or more menu screens used by a user for configuring thezone control panel; two or more buttons separate from the display andcoupled to the controller, wherein each of the two or more buttons has aunique and constant function in relation to the menu screens that areused for configuring the zone control panel; and the two or more buttonshaving distinct markings disposed on or near the respective buttons thatprovide an indication of the unique and constant function of thecorresponding button.
 15. The zone control panel of claim 14 wherein atleast some of the menu screens display a marking that is similar to thedistinct marking of at least one of the respective buttons to show auser which button(s) should be used for that menu screen.
 16. The zonecontrol panel of claim 14, wherein the two or more menu screens used bya user for configuring the zone control panel include a sequence of menuscreens, and wherein the two or more buttons include a BACK button tomove backwards in the sequence of menu screens and a NEXT button to moveforwards in the sequence of menu screens.
 17. The zone control panel ofclaim 16, wherein the two or more buttons further comprise a firstselect button and a second select button, wherein the first selectbutton and the second select button permit a user to select betweenmultiple values of a control parameter on a menu screen.
 18. The zonecontrol panel of claim 16, wherein the first select button permits auser to increase a value of a control parameter, and the second selectbutton permits a user to decrease a value of a control parameter.